Sissoko gives update on Newcastle future, urges fans to understand

Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko says he hopes Real Madrid sign him, while listing his demands for a new club.

Sissoko has been heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle, and on Sunday the Sun claimed Everton manager Ronald Koeman is keen to land the unsettled France international.

Spanish publication Marca claimed last week that Real have no interest in the France international and reports they will bid for the player are untrue.

However, Sissoko still hopes Real Madrid will make an offer, he also said he wants leave this year and to be playing in the Premier League and Champions League for a big club.

“I hope Real will come for me, I’m still waiting,” Sissoko told World Football, as quoted by the BBC Sport website. “If Real Madrid are interested in you then of course you will be happy, but right now I am still a Newcastle player.”

Sissoko’s stance has angered some Newcastle supporters, but he added: “They need to understand, I spent three-and-a-half years here.

“I gave everything for this club and I want to play some big games. For that I need to go somewhere else.

“I want to play in the Premier League, I want to play for a big club who can get into the Champions League. That’s why I said I want to leave this year.

“I’ve spent a lot of time here and now it’s time to look forward. The fans need to understand my situation, I hope they will and that everything will be OK.”

The attacking midfielder is contracted with the Toon giants until June 2019, but has made it clear he prefers an immediate move back to top flight football rather than fighting for promotion in the Championship next season.

The France international was the outstanding player for his team in the latter stages of Euro 2016, in which they lost 1-0 to Portugal in the final.

Sissoko was absent from the Magpies team that began their Championship campaign with a shock 1-0 defeat to Fulham on Friday night.